A number of municipalities across Saskatchewan will see an increase in their SaskWater rates over the next two years following an announcement made on Wednesday. Starting in April, SaskWater will be raising its`rates to reflect increased costs the utility has incurred and to help maintain a safe, reliable and top quality standard of water for its`customers. The multi-year increase will affect customers who do not have scheduled annual rate adjustments as part of their agreement with SaskWater. This includes: 23 communities, 5 Rural municipalities, 80 Rural pipeline groups, 10 industrial customers and 189 commercial and end user connections. Rates will increase by seven per cent or nine per cent for potable (drinking) water customers for a total of 21 per cent and 27 per cent over three years. Non-potable customers affected by the increase will see rates raised based on the cost of service in their given service area. The increases range from three per cent to 24 per cent over three years. The majority of water used by this group of customers is being accessed for industrial/commercial use.

Here in the Southwest the Villages of Elbow and Riverhurst will be affected by the 2012-2014 rate adjustment.



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